Showing titles in Nonfiction

Elva Zona Heaster died in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in January 1897. Her death was originally thought to be from natural causes. But when Zona's ghost began visiting her mother, the death began to look a lot more suspicious.

The War of 1812 and an American victory inspired Francis Scott Key to write his famous poem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," which later became the national anthem of the United States. The events surrounding the war and Key's poem helped establish the American flag as a symbol of patriotism and freedom. Listeners will be reminded of our nation's strength and perseverance through engaging historical content.

Encourage good citizenship and teach young listeners about primary sources as they learn about the U.S. Constitution. Listeners will get an inside look at the document on which our nation was founded, along with the branches of government, courts of law, amendments, and rights.

Did Wilt Chamberlain really score 100 points by himself in a single game? Was the 1985 NBA Draft really fixed to make sure the New York Knicks got the first pick? Was Michael Jordan really let go by his high school basketball team? Get ready to discover the real stories behind these and other great basketball myths and legends!

Why is Green Bay, Wisconsin, nicknamed “Titletown?” Does “icing” the kicker of an opposing team actually work? Do sewer systems in some cities really get flooded during halftime on Super Bowl Sunday? Dig in to get the real stories behind these and other great football myths and legends!

The national soccer teams of Mexico and the United States have a rivalry spanning decades. What made the teams fierce competitors? How are both country’s fans involved in keeping this rivalry going?

Pando is an inspiring tribute to a Utah grove of quaking Aspen trees connected by their roots to form one of the world's oldest and largest living things. Author Kate Allen Fox engages listeners’ senses to help convey the vastness of Pando, the challenges it faces, and how we all can be part of the solution. With lyrical poetry, Fox summarizes the science, action, and compassion needed to save this wonder of nature.

The 1930s were a tough time. The Great Depression left many people jobless and penniless. Dust storms and drought led to failed crops. Livestock died. People thought things couldn’t get much worse. Then, on April 14, 1935, the sky turned black. For hours, an enormous dust blizzard blanketed the country in darkness.

On opening night, a green dragon flies down to the Orlando Magic’s court on a zip line. At the Phoenix Suns’ arena, a goofy gorilla leaps off a trampoline and slams a big-time dunk. On the Chicago Bulls’ court, a fuzzy red bull shoots T-shirts into the crowd. Basketball fans love to laugh and cheer at the shenanigans of these and many other colorful mascots. Have a blast learning about the zaniest basketball mascots!

In 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California. Word quickly spread, and the California Gold Rush was on! Thousands of people went to California in hopes of finding gold and striking it rich. But did that really happen? What was the real impact of so many miners rushing to the state? Discover what’s real and what’s fiction about the California Gold Rush through primary sources and expertly leveled text.

In the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium, the crowd cheers for a cowboy with a huge hat who roars onto the field on a four-wheeler. In Kansas City, a big, furry wolf breaks into a rowdy dance the Chiefs’ stadium. In the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ stadium, a fearsome pirate stalks the sidelines as if he’s protecting the home team’s turf.

What are the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights? Why are these documents important to American history? How do they affect the lives of U.S. citizens today? After the colonies won their independence from Great Britain in the Revolutionary War, a new government was created that could help guarantee that the colonists would enjoy the freedoms they had fought so hard to win. Using an inquiry-based approach, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and how these historic documents provide U.S. citizens with the freedoms they enjoy today.

What is an election? Learn about elections and why it is important that people vote. Descriptive main text, fast facts, and callout definitions work together to support understanding.

By 1860, Americans had settled from coast to coast. How could mail get from east to west? The Pony Express! Brave Pony Express riders did whatever it took to get the mail delivered quickly. They faced many difficult choices along the way. Now the choices are yours. Would you rather encounter a grizzly bear or a mountain lion? Would you rather ride through driving snow or pouring rain? It's your turn to pick this or that!

In the early 1800s, thousands of pioneers made a long, perilous westward journey from Missouri to New Mexico. They paved the way for more settlers looking to start a new life in the West. They endured many hardships and made many tough choices. Now the choices are yours. Would you rather get bitten by a poisonous snake or suffer from cholera? Would you take the longer route across mountains with more available water? Or would you take the shorter route across the desert with less water? It's your turn to pick this or that!

Life on the American frontier wasn't easy. Pioneers had to deal with tough challenges including rough terrain, extreme weather, starvation, and dangerous animals. But in spite of the hardships, people persevered. Follow the true stories of those who braved the frontier and what they had to do to survive in this book from the Fighting to Survive series.

What does a state governor do? Learn about the duties of a state governor, who can be a state governor, where they work, and how state governors are elected.

In November 1909, thousands of factory workers walked off the job to protest the terrible working conditions in New York City factories. Joining the picket lines was dangerous, with thugs and police officers harassing picketers, but the protests stirred action. Many factory owners finally agreed to some of the workers’ demands and improved conditions. But nothing changed for workers at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, and those workers would pay a high price for the company's dangerous conditions.

Tombstone, Arizona, is known for its Wild West roots. Did the gun fights, showdowns, and foul play that happened there lead to today's haunted stories? Learn about the O.K. Corral and other paranormal hotspots in this spooky historic town. Listeners will find just the right amount of scariness for a cold, dark night.

Right or left. Blue or red. Donkeys or elephants. What are political parties all about? Listeners learn all about the different political parties in America and how they play a part in our elections.